Stairlift Questions, Answered
Straight talk about stair lifts, from cost and safety to installation and power outages.
How much does a stairlift cost?
The price depends mainly on whether your stairs are straight or curved, then on rail length, the model and any options. Straight stairlifts cost much less than curved ones. You'll get an exact written price at your free in-home evaluation. See our stairlift cost guide for details.
What's the difference between a straight and curved stairlift?
A straight stairlift runs on a straight rail for a single flight of stairs with no turns. A curved stairlift uses a rail that follows turns, landings and winding steps so the rider stays seated from bottom to top.
Which Harmar stairlifts do you sell?
We install the Harmar Pinnacle SL300 and Pinnacle SL600 straight stairlifts, and the Harmar UP modular curved stairlift.
How much weight can a Harmar stairlift hold?
The Harmar Pinnacle SL300 is rated for 300 lbs, the Pinnacle SL600 for 350 lbs, and the Harmar UP curved stairlift for 275 lbs.
How long does installation take?
Most straight stairlifts install in a few hours. Curved lifts take longer, but the Harmar UP's modular rail avoids the months-long factory wait of traditional curved rails.
Will a stairlift damage my walls or stairs?
Harmar rails attach to the stair treads with brackets, not the wall. The brackets leave only small screw holes if the lift is ever removed.
Does a stairlift work if the power goes out?
Yes. Harmar Pinnacle lifts run on rechargeable batteries that charge from a standard household outlet. Harmar rates them for up to about 60 trips on battery power during an outage.
Is there room for others to use the stairs?
Yes. When folded, the Harmar SL600 sits about 10.5 inches from the wall and the SL300 about 11 inches, leaving most of the stair width clear.
Is a stairlift safe?
Harmar stairlifts include a seat belt, overspeed brake, obstruction sensors on the footrest (and chassis on the SL600), and a swivel seat interlock so the lift won't move unless the seat is locked in place.
Does Medicare pay for a stairlift?
Original Medicare generally does not cover stairlifts because they're considered home modifications. Some Medicare Advantage plans, VA programs, state waiver programs and long-term-care insurance policies may help. Check with your plan; we're happy to provide a written quote.
Do I need a stairlift ASAP after a hospital stay?
Many families call right before a loved one comes home from the hospital or rehab. Tell us the discharge date and we'll do everything we can to have a lift ready. The Harmar UP curved stairlift was designed with fast installation in mind.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Maryland, Northern Virginia and Delaware, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Wilmington, Newark and Dover.
Still have a question? Call James at 202-247-0588 or email [email protected].
Ready to use your whole home again?
Talk with James about your stairs today. The in-home evaluation is free.